Method and device for packaging tires

ABSTRACT

The invention is related to the field of transportation of automobile tires. The method for packaging tires and device are characterized in that the smaller diameter tire is compressed predominantly in one plane being perpendicular to the diameter thereof and being arranged at an angle to the plane of the larger diameter tire followed by a controllable feeding of the smaller diameter tire into the interior space of the larger diameter tire with synchronous change in the trajectory of motion.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention is related to the field of transportation of automobile tires.

BACKGROUND

Tires may be used to safely transport automobiles by forming packages comprising at least two (three or more under specific conditions) tires, thereby increasing the quantity of loading units of tires per unit loading area during transportation thereof. Patent No. EP 0723914 discloses a device and method for insertion of tires. The method and device disclosed in the above patent, however, does not always provide tires packaging.

The prior art device has the following disadvantages described below.

The compression method provided in the patent causes rather large residual deformations of crimp rings of an inserted automobile tire and may damage it. An assembled wheel is not adequately hermetic and it is not possible to further use it without additionally placing an interior tube into it.

The mobile operation thereof is not possible due to large dimensions, mass and complexity of the device and also substantial energy input.

SUMMARY

The object of the invention is to maintain the quality of the packaged tires, reduce energy input associated with the packaging process, facilitate and increase convenience in operating the unit.

The above objects are to be addressed using the following solutions:

-   -   The tires are packaged in such a way that smaller diameter tires         are compressed predominantly in one plane, perpendicular to the         diameter thereof. The compressed tire is placed at an angle to         the plane of a large diameter tire and the smaller diameter tire         is controllably inserted into an interior space of the larger         diameter tires simultaneously changing the direction of motion.     -   The smaller diameter tire is compressed by using flat         compressing members. As a result, a tire takes the form of an         oval or the form resembling a figure “8”. In this case, residual         deformations are extremely low or absent at all resulting in a         failure-free operation of tires in the future.     -   Sliding surfaces, rotary rollers and rotating elastic bands         comprised in the flat compressing members contribute to the         reduced friction force occurring between surfaces of flat         compressing members and a compressed tire. This facilitates the         motion of the smaller diameter tire into an interior space of         the larger diameter tire.     -   A mechanism changing a trajectory of motion of the smaller         diameter tire and eliminating excessive loads on the tire during         packaging is used to avoid deformations associated with         packaging of smaller diameter tires in the interior space of the         large diameter tires.     -   An arched plate with rounded edges of a mechanism for feeding         and packaging the smaller diameter tire prevents the tire parts         from entering into the space between the arched plate and flat         compressing members due to the arced shape thereof, thereby         eliminating tire excessive deformation.     -   The arched plate with rounded edges fixed in some cases at a         specific acute angle (or this angle will change automatically)         facilitates the release of the tire at the final packaging         stage, thereby also eliminating excessive tire deformation.     -   Relatively low weight and overall dimensions of the device (if         wheels are available) make it possible to freely move it,         thereby allowing for mobile operation thereof.     -   A minimal number of cylinders actuating the assemblies of the         device allow high air (hydraulic fluid) consumption to be         reduced, thereby eliminating high energy consumption.

Multiple experiments have been conducted to determine the arrangement of the tire surfaces at an angle in the process of packaging and the method used for controllably feeding and controllably changing the trajectory of the smaller diameter tire, as well as the construction and configuration of the mechanism changing the trajectory of the smaller diameter tire, compression planes and the mechanism for feeding and packaging the smaller diameter tire.

The tire to be packaged may be packaged without damage by using exclusively the means of controllable feed and change in the trajectory of motion of the smaller diameter tire and also by applying the method of compressing the smaller diameter tire with flat members.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1—a general axonometric view of the device.

FIGS. 2 and 3—a general front and side view of the device.

FIGS. 4 and 5—an end and top view of the device

FIGS. 6 and 7—a general axonometric and front view of the device with an installed larger diameter tire.

FIGS. 8 and 9—a general axonometric and front view of the device with a stretched larger diameter tire.

FIG. 10—a general front view of the device with a smaller diameter tire installed.

FIG. 11—a general front view of the device with a compressed smaller diameter tire.

FIG. 12—a general front view of the device with the compressed smaller diameter tire the front end of which is inserted into the interior space of the stretched larger diameter tire.

FIG. 13—a general axonometric view of the device with the compressed smaller diameter tire and cross-sectional view of the outer tire illustrating an embodiment of a mechanism for changing the feeding direction of the compressed tire in the form of a movable stop 8.

FIG. 14—a general axonometric view of the device with a packaged smaller diameter tire and a cross-section of the outer tire.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The device for packaging smaller diameter tires into the interior space of the larger diameter tires comprises the following components: a movable platform; a mechanism for stretching a larger diameter tire; a mechanism changing the trajectory of motion of a smaller diameter tire; a mechanism for compressing a smaller diameter tire; and a mechanism for feeding and packaging the compressed smaller diameter tire.

A base (1) of a movable platform is a stationary part and has a frame construction serving as a foundation for the movable platform. Connecting struts of the entire device are secured thereto.

The movable platform is intended for placing a larger diameter tire thereon and stretching it. It comprises the base (1), a lifting device (2) and a table (3).

The lifting device (2) of the movable platform is a movable part and it comprises two movable frames connected therebetween with a longitudinal axle in the middle. It is intended to actuate the table of the movable platform (3). The lifting device (2) of the movable platform is provided with attachment points designed to secure it to the table and movable platform base.

The movable platform table (3) is intended for arranging a large diameter tire thereupon. It has a frame construction mounting two expandable grips (4), a mechanism (6) changing the trajectory of motion of the smaller diameter tire and a support plate (8). Attachment points of pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders (17) actuating expandable grips (4) are disposed on the sides of the table frame. In this case, the expandable grips (4) are arranged in such a way that holding plates are directed upward.

The mechanism for stretching a larger diameter tire is intended to stretch and hold the larger diameter tire in the process of packaging of the smaller diameter tires in the interior space thereof. It comprises the movable platform, expandable grips (4) and a middle part (9).

The base (1) and lifting device (2) of the movable platform are provided with attachment points for pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders (16) actuating the movable platform table (3).

The expandable grips (4) comprise movable members and are intended for gripping and holding the large diameter tire while it is being stretched. The grips are configured as a rectangular frame provided with a semicircular segment with a holding plate. The grip frame construction is provided with attachment points which are used to mount the grips in the frame of the movable platform table (3) and the frame of the middle part (9), and components for connecting with pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders (17) actuating the grips (4) are also provided. A synchronizer (5) provides a synchronous motion of the expandable grips disposed in the middle part (9). It is required to avoid contact between the grips (4) and plate (12) in the process of packaging. Unavailability of the synchronizer may lead to blocking of the feeding and packaging device (11).

The middle part (9) is a stationary component and it serves for holding the larger diameter tire while it is being stretched by the movable platform of the stretching mechanism. It is also an intermediate part of the entire device construction to which connecting struts are secured. The middle part (9) has a frame construction to mount two expandable grips (4) within it. The attachment points of pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinder (17) actuating the expandable grips (4) are disposed on the sides of the middle part frame. In this case, the expandable grips (4) are arranged in a position in which holding plates are directed upward. A guard plate (22) is disposed on the rear part of the frame and center-oriented. A safety panel (21) is also disposed in the middle in the rear space between the middle and upper parts of the device. These means are intended to prevent inadvertent deviation of the compressed tire (25) from the trajectory which is required to be followed in the process of packaging.

The mechanism (6) changing the trajectory of motion of the compressed smaller diameter tires serves to change over this tire to the plane of the larger diameter tire.

It comprises the guides along which a movable stop (7) moves, a support plate (8) and a protective housing (23). The mechanism (6) changing the trajectory of motion of the compressed smaller diameter tire is disposed in the middle of the frame of the movable platform table (3) and is covered with the support plate (8) from the top. In this case, an upper part of the stop (7) is located at a specific distance over the support plate (8). The mechanism changing the trajectory of motion of the tire is provided with an attachment point of a pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinder (19) actuating the platform with the stop (7). The protective housing (23) is a plate bent to form a U-shaped profile and serves to protect the pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinder (19) from possible damage and dirt ingress. The mechanism (6) changing the trajectory motion of the compressed smaller diameter tire may be also provided with a guiding plate instead of a stop.

The support plate (8) serves as a sliding surface for the smaller diameter tire when it changes the trajectory. It is made of a sheet metal and is provided with two parallel recesses to guide the motion of the stop (7) (guiding plate) of the mechanism (6). The support plate (8) is also provided with a protrusion on one side limiting free space between a crimp ring of the larger diameter tire and the support plate (8). Unavailability of the protrusion causes blockage of the smaller diameter tire when it enters the above space, thereby significantly complicating the packaging process.

The mechanism for compressing a smaller diameter tire comprises two flat compressing members (10), an upper part (13), a synchronizer (15) and attachment members of pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders.

Flat compressing members (10) are movable members and are designed to compress smaller diameter tires. They are configured as a frame construction to mount two rollers, a sliding plane and an elastic band.

The rollers are mounted in the lower and upper parts of the compression plane and serve to stretch the elastic band. The sliding surface is disposed there between. It is provided with a special coating reducing friction force occurring when the smaller diameter tire is fed to the interior space of the larger diameter tire. In this case, the friction force occurs between the sliding plane and an inner side of the elastic band which is also characterized by low friction coefficient. Therefore, the elastic band is intended to fix the smaller diameter tire during compression and facilitates motion thereof inward the larger diameter tire. Flat compressing members are provided with assemblies designed to mount them to the upper part and with attachment points designed to connect with pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders actuating the compressing members.

The upper part (13) is a stationary component. It comprises a frame construction to which flat compressing members (compressing planes) (10) are secured by axles. Connecting struts of the device are also secured to the upper part (13). The upper part construction is provided with attachment points of the pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinder (20) actuating the mechanism (11) for feeding the compressed smaller diameter tire into the interior space of the larger diameter tire.

A synchronizer comprises parts (15) shaped as a gear segment. The segments are fixed on axles of compressing plates and go into engagement with each other. The synchronizer (15) controls a uniform motion of the flat compressing elements (10). It is required to prevent the mechanism (11) for feeding and packaging the compressed smaller diameter tire from being prematurely operated. If the synchronizer (15) is not available, this may hinder operation of the device and lead to serious damage of the smaller diameter tire.

Attachment members of pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders (14) actuating compressing planes may be disposed on connecting struts or on the upper part of the device.

The mechanism (11) for feeding and packaging the compressed smaller diameter tire is a movable component. It is designed to insert the compressed smaller diameter tire into interior space of the larger diameter tire to be subsequently packaged in this space. This mechanism comprises a frame construction traveling vertically along the guides. The mechanism mounts a stop in the middle to which the arched plate (12) with rounded edges is secured. The stop with plate (12) is directed toward the movable platform of the mechanism for stretching larger diameter tire. The shape of the arched plate (12) with rounded edges prevents parts of the compressed smaller diameter tire from entering into the space between walls of expandable grips and the plate itself during packaging.

Device Operation

To package tires, make sure that the device is in the initial position. In the initial position, the movable platform table (3) of the mechanism for stretching a large diameter tire (24) is at the lower position, flat compressing members (10) are opened and the mechanism (11) for feeding and packaging a compressed smaller diameter tire is in the upper position. Expandable grips (4) of the stretching mechanism are closed. Such arrangement allows tires to be packaged.

The larger diameter tire is placed on the movable platform table (3) in such a way that the support plate (8) is disposed in the middle of the tire (FIG. 6). Then, a pneumatic (hydraulic) valve (not shown) controlling the movable platform motion is actuated. The movable platform table (3) jointly with the larger diameter tire (24) placed thereon begins moving upward toward the middle part (9) (under the action of pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders (16)). When the movable platform table (3) reaches a specific level limited by a sensor (not shown), it stops (FIG. 7). The expandable grips (4) which were closed up to this point begin to expand under the action of pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders (17) gripping the larger diameter tire (24) from both sides (FIG. 8). Once the grip walls contact crimp rings of the tire, the sensor (not shown) supplies a signal to operate the motion of the movable platform table (3) downward. Therefore, the tire (24) held by grips (4) located in the middle part (9) and in the movable platform table (3) begins to stretch to acquire a volume exceeding that in the normal state of the tire (FIG. 9). The downward travel of the movable platform table (3) is limited by maximal width of the stretched tire. Once the platform stops and the larger diameter tire acquires a maximal volume, the small diameter tire may be inserted. The smaller diameter tire (25) is arranged in a front-face position between flat compressing elements (10) over the grips (4) of the middle part (9). In this case, an angle of the plane thereof relative to the plane of the stretched larger diameter tire (24) should be close to 90° (FIG. 10). Once the loading is completed, the pneumatic (hydraulic) valve controlling the motion of flat compressing members (10) and mechanism (11) for feeding and packaging the compressed smaller diameter tire into the interior space of the larger diameter tire should be actuated. The flat compressing members (10) begin to move toward each other under the action of pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders (18). The cover (25) is compressed (FIG. 11). When flat compressing members (10) reach a specific position restricted by the length of a rod of pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders (18), they stop. Synchronous with the stop of compressing members (10), the sensor (not shown) supplies a signal to operate the motion of a pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinder (20) actuating the mechanism (11) for feeding and packaging of the compressed smaller diameter tire. Operation of the feeding mechanism (11) forces the compressed tire (25) to move at a right angle (or an angle close to it) into the interior space of the larger diameter tire (24) (FIG. 12). Once the compressed tire (25) reaches the surface of the support plate (8), the mechanism (11) for feeding and packaging of the compressed small diameter tire temporarily ceases the motion thereof. This is required to avoid unnecessary deformations which may occur upon contact of the tire (25) with the support plate (8). These deformations may result not only in tire damage, but also in malfunction of the mechanism (6) changing the trajectory of motion of the compressed smaller diameter tire. The tires cannot be effectively packaged due to the above causes. Once the mechanism (11) stops, the sensor (not shown) supplies a signal actuating the mechanism (6) changing the trajectory of motion of the compressed tire (using a pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinder (19)). The movable stop (7) of the mechanism (6) moves a lower part of the compressed tire (25) toward the interior wall of the larger diameter tire (FIG. 13). Therefore, an angle between the plane of the compressed tire (25) and the plane of the stretched tire (24) changes from the right angle (or an angle close thereto) to an angle of 45° (or close thereto). After changing over the tire planes to a new condition, the sensor (not shown) supplies a signal to resume the motion of the feeding and packaging mechanism (11) which moves the compressed tire (25) further into the interior space of the stretched tire (25). As this takes place, the mechanism (6) of changing the trajectory of motion also continues motion thereof moving a lower part of the compressed tire (25) further toward the interior wall of the stretched tire (24). Therefore, combined action of the above mechanisms brings the plane of the compressed tire (25) into coincidence with the plane of the stretched tire (24). Once the feeding and packaging mechanism (11) and mechanism (6) changing the trajectory of motion reach a specific position limited by the length of the rod of the pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinder (20), they stop. As this takes place, a free space sufficient for complete release of the tire (25) is available between the support plate (8) and arched plate (12) with rounded edges. The tire (25) completely expands across the entire inner perimeter of the tire (24) under action of internal forces. Packaging of the tire (25) is completed (FIG. 14). Then, a reverse process takes place during which a finished package comprising tires (24-25) is released. After this, all mechanisms of the device return to the initial position. The mechanism (11) for feeding and packaging the compressed smaller diameter tire begins an upward motion. Simultaneously, the following mechanisms automatically return to initial position thereof: the mechanism (6) changing the trajectory of motion of the compressed smaller diameter tire (the motion of the mechanism's stop reverses) and flat compressing members (10) (expand). When the mechanism (11) for feeding and packaging the compressed smaller diameter tire reaches a specific position restricted by the length of a rod of a pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinder (20), it stops. Then, the pneumatic (hydraulic) control valve is actuated to operate an upward motion of the movable platform table (3). When it reaches a specific level limited by the sensor (not shown), the movable platform table (3) stops. The expandable grips (4) which were in the expanded condition up to this moment begin to move toward each other under the action of pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders (17) releasing a package comprising larger and smaller diameter tires. Once the grips fully close, the sensor (not shown) supplies a signal to operate a downward motion of the movable platform table (3). Therefore, the package comprising tires (24-25) arranged on the table (3) becomes accessible to be unloaded out of the device. After unloading a finished package, the device is ready for further use. If an additional tire needs to be packaged in the interior space of the package (24-25), the above process should be repeated for packaging a tire of even smaller diameter. Industrial use of this invention has been tested using the constructed device.

Testing the method and device has proved practicability and quality of packaging without damaging inner and outer tires.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that description of the specific embodiment of the device does not confine the scope of the invention and any similar embodiments may be used within the scope of original claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE CHARACTERS

-   1. Base -   2. Lifting device -   3. Lifting table -   4. Expandable grips -   5. Synchronizer of expandable grips -   6. Mechanism for changing trajectory of motion of compressed tire -   7. Movable top of mechanism (6) -   8. Support plate of mechanism (6) -   9. Middle part -   10. Flat compressing elements -   11. Mechanism for feeding and packaging of compressed tire -   12. Stop with arched plate with rounded edges of mechanism (11) -   13. Upper part -   14. Attachment members of cylinders -   15. Synchronizer of compressing planes -   16. Pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders of lifting device (2) -   17. Pneumatic (hydraulic) Cylinders of expandable grips -   18. Pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinders of compressing planes -   19. Pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinder of mechanism for changing     trajectory of motion of compressed tire -   20. Pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinder of mechanism for feeding and     packaging compressed tire -   21. Safety panel -   22. Guard plate -   23. Protective housing of pneumatic (hydraulic) cylinder of     mechanism for changing trajectory of motion of compressed tire -   24. Larger diameter tire -   25. Smaller diameter tire 

1. The method for packaging tires comprising compression and insertion of a smaller diameter tire into the interior space of a large diameter tire wherein the smaller diameter tire is compressed predominantly in one plane being perpendicular to the diameter thereof, the compressed tire being arranged at an angle to the plane of the larger diameter tire followed by a controllable feeding of the smaller diameter tire into the interior space of the larger diameter tire with synchronous change in the trajectory of motion.
 2. The device for realizing the method of claim 1 comprising the means for stretching the larger diameter tire, the means for compressing the smaller diameter tire and the means for feeding it into the interior space of the larger diameter tire wherein the means for compressing the small diameter tire are arranged at an angle to the larger diameter tire and compressing surfaces are arranged in a vertical position, with the device further comprising means for changing the direction of feeding from a position at an angle to the plane of the larger diameter tire toward the plane of the larger diameter tire.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the means for stretching the larger diameter tire comprise at least two movable and two stationary semicircular-shaped expandable grips for fixing the larger diameter tire in the process of stretching.
 4. The device of claim 3 wherein the semicircular-shaped expandable grips are provided with holding plates arranged perpendicular at the end of semicircular components of grips from the convex side.
 5. The device of claim 2 wherein the mechanism for stretching the larger diameter tire is provided with a movable platform.
 6. The device of claim 2 wherein the means for changing the trajectory of motion of the smaller diameter tire are made in the form of a guiding surface providing sliding along the trajectory of motion.
 7. The device of claim 2 wherein the means for changing the trajectory of motion of the smaller diameter tire are provided with a movable stop changing the trajectory of the tire motion.
 8. The device of claim 2 wherein the means for changing the trajectory of motion of the smaller diameter tire are provided with a support plate.
 9. The device of claim 2 wherein the mechanism for compressing the smaller diameter tire is provided with two flat members for compressing the smaller diameter tire.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the flat compressing members are provided with sliding means.
 11. The device of claim 9 wherein the flat compressing members are provided with rotary rollers.
 12. The device of claim 9 wherein the flat compressing members are provided with rotating elastic bands.
 13. The device of claim 2 wherein the mechanism for compressing the smaller diameter tire is provided with an arched plate with rounded edges being arranged in one plane and directed toward the smaller diameter tire.
 14. The device of claim 13 wherein the arched plate with rounded edges is arranged in a position in which the plane thereof coincides with or is at an angle relative to the plane of the compressed small diameter tire.
 15. The device of claim 13 wherein the arched plate with rounded edges is arranged at an angle relative to the plane of the compressed small diameter tire which is automatically controllable, with this angle being directed toward the change in the trajectory of motion of the smaller diameter. 